Hi I test-drove an E36 M3 SMG convertible today (I have a E46 323 Coupe steptronic)
One thing which I found disappointing (either unrealistic expectations of the SMG gearbox or unfamiliarity with how to change gears) was the lengthy delays between gear changes. The delay was similar to the delay in the steptronic gearbox of my 323 - is this normal? Perhaps I was expecting something like the 80milisec changes that the SMGII gearbox is renowned for.
Another thing was I found it difficult to perform smooth gear changes, especially from 1st to 2nd - is this because I need practise with the SMG gearbox or is this a characteristic of the E36 SMG? This felt vastly different to the smooth gear changes I'm used to in the 323 Coupe!
One thing which I found disappointing (either unrealistic expectations of the SMG gearbox or unfamiliarity with how to change gears) was the lengthy delays between gear changes. The delay was similar to the delay in the steptronic gearbox of my 323 - is this normal? Perhaps I was expecting something like the 80milisec changes that the SMGII gearbox is renowned for.
Another thing was I found it difficult to perform smooth gear changes, especially from 1st to 2nd - is this because I need practise with the SMG gearbox or is this a characteristic of the E36 SMG? This felt vastly different to the smooth gear changes I'm used to in the 323 Coupe!
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